Overview & Reviews

The Acura MDX is a midsize luxury SUV with a carlike unibody platform and three rows of seats. The original MDX bowed in 2001, at a time when most competitors still featured body-on-frame construction and the term "crossover" was but a glimmer in some marketer's eye. Since then, Acura has maintained the MDX's family-friendly packaging, including standard seven-passenger seating, while spicing up the recipe with various styling, performance and handling enhancements. In typical Acura fashion, every MDX comes well equipped, with options generally limited to a few choice features bundled into packages.

New or used, the Acura MDX stands out for its comfort, versatility and refinement. It's one of our top recommendations for a family-oriented luxury crossover SUV. In reviews, we've found the MDX to be a polished performer, as it remains one of the more engaging luxury crossovers to drive and also provides a commendably supple ride. Weak points include cramped third-row accommodations for adults and less sumptuous interior appointments than in some rivals, though the MDX's strong resale value offers ample compensation.

User Reviews:

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  Tech package does not work in Arizona heat - 2014 Acura MDX
  By Sam Masri - August 25 - 1:58 pm

  Brakes disks get damaged from heat, car vibrates when you brake, radiator leak after 30000 miles and Acura refused to fix under warranty saying it was damaged by a small stone hit from the road. I have news for you, Acura, Arizona is hot, cars radiator should be protected by design, and brake disks should not heat up and bend from normal driving.

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  235,000 miles - 2009 Acura MDX
  By Shandu - August 23 - 12:10 pm

  There is a common electrical issue. From the first 3000 miles there was a short in the radio meaning, when it get hot the sound would skip like a turn table skipping. The XM radio, CD player, AM/FM and DVD player sound would skip. Took it to several dealership from Long Island, Manhattan, and Westchester Acura. No one could find the reason, each saying to return the car at the time that the sound is skipping. Replace the first battery within one year. Twice the battery was dead within six months. Second time, dealer replace under warranty. Third time, the discharge of the battery even though the vehicle was off cause my a/c compressor to blow. The dealer said that the unit was drawing power even though it was off. The pressure build to the point where it cause the unit to blow. Dealer replace the battery and the A/C relay. Also the constant drain on the battery which maybe linked to the HLF/blue tooth system. I had to disconnect the HLF/blue took system. Gas mileage is very weak. Average about 15 miles per gallon on high way, due to heavy foot. Keep in mind I travel at least 160 miles per day. Yes, gas prices are high but I love my MDX. It corners like a dream at 65-70 mph on a curvy two lane country road. I am 61" and sit very well In my captain seat. The second row is hard to move forward for rear entry into the third row. Michelin Tires are the best so far in terms of gas saving and road noise. Have changed the following, tire road, oil plan, a/c relay switch, 3 battery on my fourth. Wanted to be the owner who reaches over 500,000 miles but it will be expensive.

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  sorry i purchased an acura mdx - 2015 Acura MDX
  By tom kowalick - August 20 - 2:59 pm

  very noisy cabin,very poor electronics,etc.radio,stereo,navigation,overall all electronics is very poor.very,very poor suspension,when you hit the smallest pot hole at a very low speed it sound like the tire is coming in the cabin to join you.very loud road noise.no sound barriers or noise insulation installed in vehicle.for the price of these vehicles you should have a much quietier ride.i owned o cadilac srx before purchasing the acura and my butt is so sore from kicking it for buying this over priced,over rated vehicle.beware buyers do not buy an acura mdx. I am very honest

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  This Car Eats Oil - 2010 Acura MDX
  By BMart - August 18 - 11:28 am

  This engine is a oil eater. I got the car used form the dealer with a fresh oil change - at 4k miles later the check engine light comes on - I check the oil and it does not even register on the dip stick. I thought OK -it was not a Acura/Honda dealer I got it from (Mercedes) so they put the wrong oil in or something. I made sure it had synthetic the next time. Same thing happens. The other problem is Acura has set the maintenance interval to 7500 miles - way to long for this oil eater. I recommend 3k miles for sure and check the oil every 1k miles. The bummer is my old cars have oil that looks fine after 5k miles but this car just chews it up. I now make sure I have quarts of synthetic available, and I went and bought a funnel to add oil to this car every 1k miles. I have to treat it like a vintage automobile. Other than that it runs fine - it has a solid feel that reminds me of a BMW.

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  Huge disappointment! - 2015 Acura MDX
  By CORunner - August 13 - 10:16 am

  I have owned my 2015 MDX for about 8 months so far. I have tried to love it, or even like it, but I cannot. I traded in my 2008 MDX after six years of loyal service to “upgrade” to the new model. That was a big mistake. The 2008 MDX was a great car and I loved it from the day that I bought it. It wasn’t perfect, but it was good at almost everything. The 2015 was a hassle starting on the day I drove it home. It was raining really hard outside, so we did most of the deal looking at the showroom floor model. My mistake. The salesman informed me that all models had parking sensors, fog lights, and Michelin tires and I assumed that he was correct. In fact, he had lied about all three… I got the dealership to agree to swap my tires to Michelins for free (they only come on the top of the line model now). The fog lights and parking sensors were something I should have checked, so I decided to pay for the upgrades myself. Buyer beware. The fog lights went in without issue, but the parking sensors were a joke. When you upgrade, you can only get rear sensors, not front, and they are not the same sensors that are used on the top model. My installed sensors were not flush with the bumper and they did not work. I had to back almost completely into a brick wall to make them start beeping. So a 50% success rate for dealer installed options. Not impressed. Why Acura would dream of building a $50,000 CUV, make it longer, and not include parking sensors as standard is beyond me! The changes from the 2008 to the 2015, or rather the 2nd generation MDX to the 3rd, were largely not improvements. The power to weight ratio is better on the new car, but acceleration feels anemic in comparison. The suspension is absolutely awful. I had the electromagnetic dampers on my 2008 and it was impressive in the corners! The new model feels far less confident when pushed and my front dampers have developed a constant squeak that causes pedestrians to watch my car as I drive past. The stereo in the old MDX was one of my favorite features and somehow they managed to ruin that on the new model as well. The bass response is weak at best. The touch screen controls are simply awful and make things like adjusting the fan speed for the climate control dangerous while driving. The safety features, like lane departure warning was such a nuisance that I had to disable it. The forward collision warning is dangerous. Mine would go off randomly when I wasn’t near another car! The last thing I want is for my car to slam on the brakes and cause an accident that otherwise would not happen. I spoke with the dealership about the function and was informed that sometimes metal manhole covers or expansion joints will cause the system to produce a false positive. Another safety feature that I had to disable. The materials used inside look and feel cheap. I have a black interior and much of the plastic actually appears to be dark brown. I have had people ask me about it as soon as they get into the car for the first time, so it is noticeable. Finally, the redesign has lowered the height of the vehicle, so while there is a slight increase in cargo space, I’m finding it to be less useable. Oh, I just received my first recall notice… Acura North America has been useless. To be fair, there are a few minor improvements. The cabin is generally much quieter, the LED headlights are great, and the gas mileage is better. I was previously getting 14-16 mpg city / 20-22 mpg highway and I am now seeing 19-21 city and 26-28 highway. If I could go back and undo this deal, I would! My 2008 MDX was superior in almost every way. Build quality has seriously gone downhill. Im not sure if its just with the introduction of the 3rd gen MDX or if its also the assembly line moving from Canada to Alabama. If you are seriously considering a new MDX, I suggest that you take your money elsewhere. I wish I had.

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  My first step up. - 2015 Acura MDX
  By Lee Nalley - August 8 - 1:47 pm

  I have had my MDX for 10 months now and have several problems that cannot be explained: The indicators for blind side vehicles will go off when no one is by them the gas cap light will go off when nothing is wrong the front breaking light will go off when there is nothing in front of me and the windshield wipers will go off when it is nice and bright and sunny. Im told at the service area that they cant find anything wrong and cannot pinpoint the problem, but will keep checking the their update sheets and if anything comes across, they will let me know. This is a safety issue as far as Im concerned as the breaking light comes on, my reaction is put the breaks on. Also, have a problem with the windows being down at high speeds, the tailgate wants to try to pop open, you can see gaps appear along the sides. Again the service agent cannot find anything wrong. I have the heated seats and it feels as if they were never turned off, making it a little uncomfortable during the summer months. The interior is comfortable, but with a lot of road noise handling is good and acceleration is really good. I am sorry that I spent what I did for this car.

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  Many many issues and trips to dealership - 2014 Acura MDX
  By Allan De - August 3 - 11:42 am

  The voice control does not work Fit and finish is not up to par Door out of alignment Steering needed update Shim kit for squeaking noise in engine needed Infotainment system is the worst ever - you are locked out of basic functions while driving Nav system is a joke

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  Its on the inside what matter - 2015 Acura MDX
  By Tanner - July 31 - 11:46 pm

  The 2015 Acura MDX is not a "flashy" car to the normal eye but certainly does hold its own against other luxury SUV. Handling is very light but easy to get used to. The interior is where the MDX shines, materials are very nice inside and easily accessible however having the tech package you certainly must be good with todays technology because at certain points it can feel overwhelming. Road quality if very nice as well, having owned the Audi Q7 it is very comparable. However only having 15,000 miles I cannot touch base on reliability quite yet.

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  Best value - 2014 Acura MDX
  By Al - July 28 - 6:37 pm

  I buy a lot of cars for myself and wife. This is my 4th MDX in 7 years. Tried an Enclave terrible seats and steering. Had a MKX for 9000 traded it the steering had torque steel when you punched the gas. My wife drives an Audi but has had a Cayanne, an X5, Range Rover and more. Dollar for dollar the MDX is the best value for me. Quiet, quick and very good seats.

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  LKAS and LDW Do not work when car is hot - 2015 Acura MDX
  By emwhydee - June 20 - 11:54 am

  I live in AZ and have had this vehicle for 2 months and whenever the temps rise above 90 degrees and the car is parked in the sun the LKAS and LDW do not work. I get a message that the camera is too hot. 15-20 minutes later, the cameras start working but by that time I am already home. I purchased this car because of these safety features but did not realize they would not work. What a waste. I will not buy an Acura again. The navigation system is equally poor and does not recognize addresses or place names so it is another lost cause. I do not recommend buying this car for these features.